Quick response unit having a positive impact, says McGregor

"They are having a positive impact," was how Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor, the commanding officer of the St James Police Division, responded when quizzed about the impact of the police's quick-response unit.

The quick-response unit, which was created earlier this year, is an integral part of the police's bid to control the rampant lawlessness in sections of the parish, especially in downtown Montego Bay.

In explaining his "positive impact" comment to Western Focus, McGregor said the unit, which goes out early in the morning on patrols, has been reaping much success and has even dovetailed into the traffic unit.

"They deal with these youngsters who are on the corners doing pick-pocketing under the disguise of wiping car glasses," said McGregor in explaining some of the things the quick-response unit does during patrols. "They are even out on the Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue) and in and around the city."

Within recent weeks, the St James Police Division received eight new motorcycles from the Police High Command to bolster its presence across the parish. Of the allotted motorcycles, two were of the heavy duty type, and those were assigned to the traffic unit.

In addition, a bicycle patrol team was set up in the division. That unit will join the other units in training and on completion, they will be expected to carry out their respective duties.